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How to Find a Photo Editor

You’re ready to start outsourcing your editing, but how do you find a photo editor to work with?

Well, you have a couple of options when it comes to photo editors.

Big Box Photo Editing or Private Photo Editor

What’s the difference?

Big Box Photo Editor

A big box photo editor is a photo editing company, typically comprised of a team of editors. It’s usually at a lower cost than a private photo editor. You can hire the company to edit your images. Some companies even have monthly unlimited plans. They usually have the photographer choose a basic setting for how they like their images, such as warmer, cooler, or neutral.

Some photographers do great with services like this, but I have heard some disappointing thoughts from photographers because the service is too basic. The service can be inconsistent because it’s not always the same editor working on your images and sometimes, the work is batch edited. Photographers may find themselves having to re-edit their weddings after receiving an edited. It leaves a negative feeling towards outsourcing their editing.

Here are the top three reasons that big box editors do not work for some wedding photographers:

1. Lack of one-on-one relationship

The biggest difference between a big box editor and private photo editor is that there is a one-on-one relationship between the photographer and editor. At big box companies, it’s common for an editing job to go to the next available editor. You may have a different editor every wedding and that can lead to inconsistencies!

2. Lack of personal presets or adjustments

A photographer told me about her experience with a big box editing company where they asked her to choose her preferred white balance setting. That was it. She could not send her custom base preset and they don’t make any personalized adjustments at the base pricing. With a private photo editor, I ask you to send any presets you use and I make individual adjustments.

3. Lack of personal feedback and open communication

Feedback is critical when working with an editor. As much as I try to edit just like you, there is definitely a learning curve. I’ve been told that some big box companies do allow photographers to give feedback, but it will be applied to the next project. So, if you receive a wedding back and you’re not satisfied, you still have to go back and re-edit your own images…which kind of defeats the purpose of outsourcing!

Private Photo Editor

Now, I’m obviously partial to private photo editors (because I am one!) but I really believe in the level of service that we provide. Before on-boarding a new client, I always take the time to have a FaceTime or Skype call with them to get to know more about their photography, their business, and their needs. I want to make sure that I will be a good fit for them and that they will be a good fit for me.

Here are some of the top benefits of working with a private photo editor:

1. Working with the same photo editor

You’ll always be working with the same editor (me!). I know how hard it is to let go of your editing and trust someone else with your art. That’s why I believe that having a working relationship between photographer and editor is so important. I become a part of your team. I cheer you on, celebrate your successes, and it’s an honor to call you a client.

2. One-on-one Onboarding Calls

I do a one-on-one onboarding call with new clients. We will walk through all the logistics, share your screen to make sure your folders and systems are in place and get you set up correctly. Getting setup is the longest part of the process. I have found that once everything is in place, it is smooth sailing.

3. Feedback and open communication

For the first 3-4 weddings, I will send you previews of the wedding to ensure we’re on the same page. I will ask for your specific feedback from those previews: check the white balance, more contrast, less saturation, less greens or blues. When it comes to the rest of your wedding, I can complete it as closely as possible as you would.

4. Limited number of clients

I intentionally only take a limited number of clients every year to ensure that I can provide the best possible service. Since I know how much I can take on, and now, with a new baby, I know that I can’t say yes to everyone. My lines of communication are open. I will text clients for quick questions, I answer emails within 24 hours, and I return wedding edits in 5-7 business days.

There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to outsourcing your editing. You just have to make the choice that is right for you and your business. While I am partial to hiring a private photo editor, if you find yourself hiring a big box editor and it is going great – that’s awesome!

In conclusion, these are some things to consider when deciding looking for a photo editor. While a private photo editor may cost more initially, you also receive a higher level of personalized service. I like to think of a private photo editor as a concierge service. And who doesn’t like a little pampering?